Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Back to school

It has been almost three weeks since we updated! We are slipping so seamlessly back into "regular" life that it is hard to believe over a month ago we were sitting by Chloe's bedside in the hospital, waiting for her to wake up from surgery.

She has been healthy, with no complaints about pain or discomfort. Her incision site is healing nicely. Sometimes at the very top and bottom, where it is just a bit scabbed still, it itches her. But other than that, unless you can see the site at the top of her shirt collar, you would probably never know what she has been through. We will see her cardiologist again in a couple of months, unless something comes up that we need to see him sooner for, but so far, so good!

Chloe went back to school half days the week before Thanksgiving, and then she went all three days of school the week of Thanksgiving, full days. She was just a bit anxious about going back full time, but she has done great and has not shown signs of being too tired for it. She is caught up on school work. We are so grateful to her teacher and classmates for helping her, encouraging her and praying for her. They read this blog every day during her hospital stay and home recovery and prayed for her. We have been so blessed by them and our school community!

About ten days ago, Chloe and her dad went out on a date for dinner. They started this after her first heart surgery, which was in October 2003. They go out to eat on the anniversary of that surgery, just the two of them. With all the activity and planning for her second surgery, they never made it out on their date in October. So they went out in November to celebrate a successful second surgery and to remember the first. They had a wonderful time and had some delicious pasta downtown Holland. Now Chloe is busy making her Christmas list and getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Savior!

3 comments:

What a mighty God we serve! I'm so thankful for his healing power!! I love that she and jeff go out for dinner too. What a night to look forward to every year!! We're so thankful this holiday season for many things, one of which is Chloe and her strong heart!! We love you, chloe!

Oh Chloe! What a beautiful soul you are. I love how you and your dad went on a date. I myself am recovering from my 5th open heart surgery. I am so happy that you are healing nicely. The itching is the worst isn't it. Ugh! Hang in there and have a fabulous holiday season celebrating family, love, and most of all Christ.Blessings to you and your family!Summer

Hi!I came across your blog today. I am so glad to hear that Chloe is doing so well. I have a 2 year old daughter, Cassidy, who was born with Tetralogy of Fallot w/ PA & MAPCA’s. I think blogs are a great way to get the word about about CHD’s and I commend you for what you’re doing.My wife and I are also on a mission to spread the word about CHD’s. We just started a jewelry company called Lucky 10. All of our products are handmade and pertain to Heart Defects and the Heart Community in general.Please check out our site when you get a moment. If you could help us get the word out about our new business we would be very grateful. It’s a project that’s very dear to our hearts.www.lucky10.etsy.comThanks so much and we look forward to reading more on your blog!Thanks,Vito Lisa